Dedicated to supporting students’ mental health and wellness, Middlesex Community College is excited to announce the hiring of Amy Mahoney as the college’s new Wellness Counselor. Most recently a program director, Mahoney looks forward to bringing her experience in group and individual therapy, adult community mental health, and clinical supervision to assist students in MCC’s Wellness Resource Center.
“I really thrive when I am part of something bigger,” Mahoney said. “A community college is a unique place with students of many different backgrounds, employees who are passionate, and a strong connection to the broader community beyond the college walls. I think that my values as a social worker align nicely with the values and mission of MCC.”
Working through some challenging circumstances during her childhood helped Mahoney become a natural advocate and optimist who always finds the good in others. This led to her interest in pursuing a career in social work. In New York, she earned a bachelor’s from Marist College and a master’s in social work at CUNY (City University of New York) Lehman.
“A community college is a unique place with students of many different backgrounds, employees who are passionate, and a strong connection to the broader community beyond the college walls. I think that my values as a social worker align nicely with the values and mission of MCC.” - Amy Mahoney, MCC's Wellness Counselor
New to working in higher education, Mahoney thought about her own college years and the importance of being part of a community when beginning her time at MCC. With her background, she always enjoyed connecting with young adult clients and helping them to make changes in their lives. Mahoney hopes to become a “go-to resource” at MCC working directly with students and supporting faculty and staff in their efforts to assist students in need.
“Whether I am the person who makes the most sense to help them or I connect them with someone else, I would like for students to feel comfortable reaching out to me,” she said. “I look forward to helping students have their ‘aha!’ moments where they discover something new about themselves. I hope to provide faculty and staff with tools and skills that help them feel more confident in assisting students in distress.”
As she dives into her new role, Mahoney is learning about MCC, connecting with different departments, and understanding the mental health matters that come up the most for each group. Hoping to develop trainings for faculty and staff, she is interested in discussing her passion for Trauma Informed Practices and helping to implement the skills at the college.
An important part of Mahoney’s job includes one-on-one counseling sessions to support students’ mental and physical wellness to help them achieve their academic and personal goals. She will also assist students in need in finding specialized treatment or long-term therapy options with community providers using their insurance.
“I am able to provide short-term mental health counseling to students,” she said. “Through the intake and assessment process, together we will identify a counseling goal.”
Considering herself a team member for both the Wellness Resource Center and the college, Mahoney’s main focus is on assisting MCC students to make positive changes in their lives. In addition to counseling, the center provides wellness events, information about community resources, time-management coaching, and assistance with basic needs including food and housing.
“Myself and the Wellness Resource Center team strive to support the whole student,” Mahoney said. “We recognize that all aspects of a student’s life can impact their academic success, including their mental health.”